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Category: Labour & Delivery

Asked by Brittany0915

Q: what do early contractions feel like ?

with my first 2 kids i was induced and with my 3rd my water broke long before contractions started,,, so im curious, what do early contractions feels like? how did you know it was labor? how far apart were the early contractions? i have been having what feels like bowel cramps a few times today, but i can feel it in my back also and my stomach gets hard like a braxton hick contraction. i head for the bathroom everytime but nothing happens.
could this be the start of the labor process, or just wishful thinking ? im 2cm dilated. the last one happened almost 30 minutes ago and nothing since.

This question was asked Dec. 24, 2012 4:33pm
Category: Labour & Delivery

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Answered by a member - Dec. 26, 2012 11:54am
yes! they say its "menstrual like" or "bowel like" cramps...
im 39 weeks and just FINALLY realized what contractions truly feel like (this is my first child)
dont go based on how dilated you are...i have been dilated since december 6th i was 1 cm december 13th i was 2 cms and since december 18 i been 3&1/2 cms ...it means NOTHING...the contractions and effacement is what matters at your next appt ask your dr how effaced you are....
bc you can be 8 cms dilated and not effaced so then YOU CANT PUSH and theres NO room for baby to come yet!
but also be careful too because you can have what they call "back labor" where all your pain is in your lower back and your contractions ARENT strong enough to alert you to go to hospital!!
start timing your contractions...ask your dr how close together they need to be for him/her to recommend you going to hospital...some drs say 5 mins some say start going to hospital when therre 10 mins apart and under! GOOD LUC

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